Ball-milling synthesized Bi2VO5.5 for piezo-photocatalytic assessment

The mechanochemical ball milling followed by heating at 650 °C for 5 h successfully produced the single-phase Bi2VO5.5 powder. Catalytic activity for methylene blue dye degradation was investigated. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to confirm the phase formation. The sample’s charge carrier transportation behavior was ascertained using time-dependent photocurrent analysis. The piezo-photocatalysis experiment yielded a 63% degradation efficiency for the ball-milled Bi2VO5.5 sample. The pseudo-first-order kinetics of the piezo-photocatalytic dye degradation are discerned, and the significant k value of 0.00529 min−1 is achieved. The scavenger test declares the h+ radical is the predominant active species during the piezo-photocatalysis experiment. Vigna radiata seeds were used in a phytotoxicity test to evaluate the germination index. The mechanochemical activation method facilitates reactions by lowering reaction temperature and time. The effect of improved piezo-photocatalytic efficiency on the ball-milled Bi2VO5.5 powder is an unexplored area, and we have attempted to investigate it. Here, ball-milled Bi2VO5.5 powder achieved improved dye degradation performance.


Experimental
Fabrication of Bi 2 VO 5.5 powder. The mechanochemical ball milling (MBM) method is a productive way to create materials with submicron and nanoscale dimensions. Repeated welding and fracture ensure that each material is subjected to a solid-state reaction that results in the final synthesis of powder material. With this technique, submicron-sized powdered material of the right stoichiometry is obtained by alloying the current chemical components. The MBM synthesis method produced BV powder is depicted in Fig. 1. V 2 O 5 and Bi 2 O 3 oxide powders were combined in a 250 ml tungsten carbide jar according to the stoichiometric molar ratio. In order to mill the material, we used 10 tungsten carbide balls, each of which was 20 mm in diameter. For 17 h duration at 300 rpm speed, a Retsch planetary ball mill (PM100) configuration was employed for the grinding at ambient temperature. After every 30 min, a 5-min break was provided to enable the system to cool. Particle size reduction was further induced during the 26-h wet milling operation at 300 rpm using a specific weight ratio of 1:20:0.5 for the BV powder, yattria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) balls, and ethanol. After separating the YSZ balls, the powders obtained were subjected to a 5-h annealing process at 650 °C to remove any induced defects that may have developed during uninterrupted ball milling. We obtained the ball-milled Bi 2 VO 5.5 (BV) powders after annealing. A distinct Bi 2 VO 5.5 (BiV) that was not subjected ball mill was prepared by grinding using mortarpestle through utilizing oxide powders of V 2 O 5 and Bi 2 O 3 in the correct stoichiometric molar ratio to show the comparison in photocatalytic activity. To confirm the Bi 2 VO 5.5 phase, the powders were ground with the aid of a mortar and pestle and then they were calcined at 750 °C for 8 h. The X-ray diffraction method is utilized to establish the BiV phase formed and has been confirmed 34 . Additionally, a peculiar, not ball-milled Bi 2 VO 5.5 (NBM BiV) was synthesized by combining the oxide powders of V 2 O 5 and Bi 2 O 3 in the correct molar ratios. The powders were crushed in a mortar and pestle before being calcined for 5 h at a temperature of 650 °C. This was done to understand whether the not ball-milled sample synthesized at a reduced temperature could attain the proper phase formation. www.nature.com/scientificreports/ Sample characterization. The resulting BV powdered samples' phases were determined with the use of the X-ray diffraction technique (XRD, Rigaku diffractometer, Japan). The 2°/min scan rate was applied on the sample powder across a 10-65° 2θ angle range. Raman spectroscopy was utilized to analyze the material's structure and bonding. Using a 10% power 532 nm laser and 600 gratings to scan over the material across the 100-1300 cm −1 range, the Raman spectra were obtained through HORIBA (LabRAM HR Evolution, Japan) spectrometer. The KBr pellets were used as the matrix for a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) examination performed with a Perkin Elmer spectrum RX I spectrophotometer. Accurate information on the microstructures and surface morphologies of the materials was obtained using a Nova Nano SEM-450 field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), which is integrated with SEM, was employed to comprehend the compositional elements in the BV sample. X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (Nexsa) equipment was used to evaluate the binding energy and chemical state of the produced BV sample. The UV-visible spectrophotometer (SHIMADZU) was used to evaluate the absorbance peak intensity.

Photocurrent analysis.
The generated BV sample's current-time profile was recorded using an electrochemical workstation (AUT86543 Metrohm Autolab B.V.). A platinum wire was used as the counter electrode, and an Ag-AgCl wire was used for both the working and reference electrodes in the three-electrode arrangement. A source of visible light was given by two Havells Company each of 15 W bulbs. To record the photocurrent response, the visible light source went through a few ON and OFF cycles. The used electrolyte was a phosphate-buffered saline solution of 0.1 M concentration. The working electrode was made by mixing 1 mL of ethanol, 5 mg of catalyst, and 20 µL of Nafion solution. After being well mixed together by ultrasonication for 30 min, the resulting catalyst ink was applied as a surface coating on the cleaned glassy carbon electrode with ~ 10 µL of catalyst ink. Before employing the electrode as the working electrode, it was confirmed that the coat had dried properly.
Bandgap assessments. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) was employed to ascertain the bandgap of the synthesized sample. According to the literature, the direct bandgap was determined by converting the absorption spectra acquired from the DRS into Tauc's plot (a plot between E vs (αE) 2 ) 50 .

Photocatalytic assessment.
To evaluate the efficacy of the BV powdered sample in the photocatalytic experiment, we measured the degradation of MB dye in the presence of visible light. Typically, 0.2 g (g) sample  www.nature.com/scientificreports/ was utilized in the photocatalysis experiment. The adsorption-desorption saturation of the dye was obtained before the start of the photocatalytic evaluation. The first starting dye was swapped out by a new 20 ml dye at a concentration of ∼ 5 mg/L when the adsorption equilibrium was acquired. Two light bulbs were used to provide visible light illumination for the BV sample immersed inside the dye solution (Havells company, each of 15W power). A distance of around 12 cm was set between the sample and the incoming light source. Throughout the experiment, the sample was continuously stirred at a 500 rpm speed. The adsorption peak intensity was used to assess the photocatalytic activity. To maintain a constant volume throughout, the test material was carefully replenished back into the beaker after each regular period of acquisition and evaluation of absorbance. For comparison, a photocatalysis evaluation was conducted with the same parameters using a 0.2 g BiV sample that had not been synthesized through a ball mill. According to Eq. (1), the degradation rate percentage of the MB dye was established 51 .
where C o and C stand for the amount of MB dye present before and following the passage of time 't' , respectively.
Piezocatalytic assessment. The MB dye degradation in ultrasonic vibration was utilized as a parameter to assess the piezocatalytic efficacy of the powdered BV. Typically, 0.2 grams (g) sample was utilized in the catalysis assessment. The adsorption-desorption saturation of the dye was obtained before the start of the piezocatalysis evaluation. When adsorption saturation is reached, the already used dye is swapped out by a new 20 ml dye at a concentration of ∼ 5 mg/L. The BV powder added to the dye solution was then put to ultrasonic vibration received from an ultrasonicator (120 W, 40 kHz). To prevent the dye solution from heating up during ultrasonication, the water in the ultrasonicator was changed after every 15 min because it served as the medium for the process. This experiment was carried out in complete darkness. To maintain a constant volume throughout, the test material was carefully replenished back into the beaker after each regular period of acquisition and evaluation of absorbance. For comparison, a piezocatalysis evaluation was conducted with the same parameters using a 0.2 g BiV sample that had not been synthesized through a ball mill.
Piezo-photocatalysis assessment. The MB dye degradation in the synergetic indulgence of ultrasonic vibration along with visible light illumination was utilized as a parameter to assess the piezo-photocatalytic efficacy of the powdered BV. The BV sample weighing 0.2 g was taken to perform the catalysis evaluation. The adsorption-desorption saturation of the dye was accurately reached before beginning the piezo-photocatalysis evaluation. When adsorption saturation is reached, the already used dye is swapped out by a new 20 ml dye at a concentration of ∼ 5 mg/L. The dye solution and BV powder sample were then exposed to both visible light irradiation from two Havells Company bulbs (each with a 15 W power output) and ultrasonic vibration received from an ultrasonicator (120 W, 40 kHz). To prevent the dye solution from heating up during ultrasonication, the water in the ultrasonicator was changed after every 15 min because it served as the medium for the process. To maintain a constant volume throughout, the test material was carefully replenished back into the beaker after each regular period of acquisition and evaluation of absorbance. For comparison, a piezo-photocatalysis evaluation was conducted with the same parameters using a 0.2 g BiV sample that had not been synthesized through a ball mill.

Results and discussion
The XRD scans of the synthesized BV, BiV, and NBM BiV powder samples are shown in Fig. 2. The obtained XRD patterns of BV and BiV show that all the diffracted peaks agree with the orthorhombic Bi 2 VO 5.5 standard JCPDS reference file (File No. 42-0135). BV and BiV formed in a single phase without the existence of any secondary phase. Bi 2 VO 5.5 phase is present in NBM BiV, although secondary peaks of V 3 O 5 , V 2 O 5 , V 2 O 4 , and Bi 2 O 3 are also present at 18.8, 24.2, 26.8, and 27.9 degrees, respectively. In contrast to the 24-h annealing at 1020 K previously described, this study synthesizes single-phase Bi 2 VO 5.5 more quickly 31 . The mechanochemically ball milling (MBM) approach produced tiny particles that helped in synthesizing single-phase Bi 2 VO 5.5 viable at 650 °C in just 5 h. Further experimental tests are likely to exclude the NBM BiV powdered sample due to the presence of an additional phase and the inability to synthesize the powder using the mortar and pestle method within 5 h at 650 °C. The Raman bands linked to the fabricated BV sample are shown in Fig. 3a. The Raman spectra were examined between 350 and 1300 cm −1 . The major Raman bands were found at the wavelengths 372, 653, 768, 852, and 926 cm −1 . These obtained bands are consistent with previously published studies 9,52 . While the bands at 768 and 653 cm −1 reveal the doubly coordinated (V-O-V) oxygen atom, the band observed at 372 cm −1 demonstrates the symmetric vibrational mode bending of the V-O bonds 9,52 . Short-range vibrational V-O bonds are demonstrated by the band obtained at 852 cm −1 , while the weak mode at 925 cm −1 represents the V 4+ = O unit. The availability of vanadium in the mixed valence state of + 4 and + 5, causes this weak vibrational mode represented as the V 4+ =O signature 52 .
Material's functional group change is understood by the FTIR spectroscopic analysis of the BV sample shown as in Fig. 3b. In this case, significant IR bands are present at 832, 766, 715, 610, and 529 cm −1 . The V-O bond asymmetric stretching is shown by the peak at 832 cm −1 while the V-O bond symmetric vibration stretching is shown by the peak at 766 and 715 cm −153,54 . There are peaks visible at 613, and 529 that show the (O-V-O) vanadate anion deformation 55,56 . www.nature.com/scientificreports/ The SEM micrographs have been utilized to illustrate the sample's surface morphology as displayed in Fig. 4. Figure 4a-c provides clear proof of the presence of the BV sample's irregular-shaped grains. The not ball milled BiV sample's irregular shaped morphology is shown in Fig. 4d. We effectively decreased the particle size to the submicron range using the ball milling approach, as shown by the SEM micrographs. Figures 4c,d show the difference in particle size between the ball-milled Bi 2 VO 5.5 (BV) sample and the not ball-milled Bi 2 VO 5.5 (BiV) sample. For the BV sample, EDS elemental color mapping was carried out to achieve accurate phase identification. To ascertain the elements' chemical states, the BV powdered sample underwent an XPS examination. The XPS spectra that correspond to the V2p, O1s, and Bi4f scans are shown in Fig. 5a-c. Each of the asymmetric Bi4f 7/2 and Bi4f 5/2 components of the Bi4f spectrum was initially separated into their respective Bi 2+ and Bi 3+ components. Two peaks, at 157.3 and 163.7 eV, are compatible with the Bi 2+ oxidation state, while two more, at 158.8 and 164.1 eV, are consistent with the Bi 3+ oxidation state 57,58 . Each of the V2p 3/2 and V2p 1/2 components of the V2p spectrum were initially separated into their respective V 4+ and V 5+ components. The V 5+ oxidation state is shown by peaks at 516.4 and 524.2 eV, whereas the V 4+ oxidation state is indicated by peaks at 517.3 and 523 eV 59 . Asymmetric O1s spectra were also first split into O L and O A sub-components. The O L and O A symbols represent oxygen vacancies and lattice oxygen (O 2− oxidation state), respectively 57 . Intrinsic defects introduced during production and heat treatment lead to localized oxygen vacancies. Bi 3+ and V 5+ are converted to Bi 2+ and V 4+ , respectively, as a result of the bonded additional charge in the form of electron pairs surrounding the V and Bi atoms and in the vacant area. Consequently, we confirm the occurrence of Bi 2+ and V 4+ in addition to the previously documented Bi 3+ and V 5+60 . Figure 6a depicts a time-dependent photocurrent study of a powdered BV sample, which was used to determine the charge carrier transportation behavior of the sample. BV achieves a low dark current density of    www.nature.com/scientificreports/ (~ 2.8 µA/cm 2 ) before dye degradation, and it shows an increased photocurrent density of (~ 6.5 µA/cm 2 ) when exposed to visible light. We were able to get a ratio of about 2.3 times between visible light and dark current as an outcome. Separation of the photogenerated charge carriers is facilitated by the formation of high photocurrent density. The BV sample's photocurrent response may be inverted, as shown by repeating the photocurrent density at each irradiation intensity 61,62 . Figure 6b depicts the diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS) measured from the BV powdered sample. It displays the ball-milled BV sample's acquired optical absorption edge. The examined bandgap value of the BV sample is shown as 2.15 eV in Fig. 6c. Since the bandgap of BV is within the visible spectrum, the photocatalysis experiment may be carried out using visible light.
The photocatalysis experiment for the BV powder was evaluated by MB dye degradation, and the findings are shown in Fig. 7a. The dye's precise adsorption-desorption saturation was obtained before the start of the photocatalytic evaluation. Figure 7a shows that as the time duration of visible light irradiation was increased for the purpose of evaluating photocatalytic evaluation, the UV-visible absorption peak spectra of the MB dye dropped. The decreasing peak intensity with longer exposure time is proof that the polluting dye solution has become discolored. The C C o versus time plots obtained for photocatalysis evaluation with BV, BiV, and without the usage of BV samples (control) are shown in Fig. 7b. Without a sample, photolysis caused the control dye to degrade by ~ 12% after 180 min when exposed to visible light. In 180-min visible light exposure, the MB degradation efficiencies of the BV and BiV samples were ~ 29% and ~ 17%, respectively. In comparison to the control sample, the dye degradation efficiency of the BV and BiV samples improved by 17% and 5%, respectively. The variation in particle size between the BV and BiV samples, which has also been shown by SEM micrographs, is the cause of the discrepancy in the photocatalytic effectiveness reached by the two samples. We demonstrated that ball milling improved the catalytic performance by showing that BV's degradation efficiency was 12% higher than that of not ball mill synthesized BiV sample.
The BV powder piezocatalysis experiment was evaluated by monitoring the MB dye degradation, and the findings are displayed in Fig. 8a. As shown in Fig. 8a, the reduction in the MB dye's absorption peak spectrum with an increase in ultrasonication time served as proof that MB dye degradation occurred under ultrasonication. The decolorization of the pollutant solution is supported by the decreasing peak spectra with time. The C C o  www.nature.com/scientificreports/ versus time data obtained for piezocatalysis evaluation with BV, BiV, and without the use of BV samples (control) are shown in Fig. 8b. Water bubbles that contain entrapped gases and water vapor form, grow and collapse as a result of the ultrasonication process 63 . This activity generates a local hot zone where temperature increases up to 4000-5000 K 63,64 . These localized hot zones promote the thermolytic breakdown of water, resulting in the generation of · OH radicals. These produced · OH radicals accelerate the degradation of MB dye. Sonolysis is the term used in literature to describe the entire phenomenon 65 . To prevent the dye solution from heating up during ultrasonication, the water in the ultrasonicator was changed after every 15 min because it served as the medium for the process. In 180 min of ultrasonication, the control dye experienced 13% MB dye degradation in the absence of any sample. In the 180-min piezocatalysis experiment, the MB dye degradation efficiencies of the BV and BiV samples were ~ 32% and ~ 20%, respectively. In comparison to the control sample, the dye degradation efficiency of the BV and BiV samples improved by 19% and 7%, respectively. The variation in particle size between the BV and BiV samples, which has also been shown by SEM micrographs, is the cause of the discrepancy in the piezocatalytic effectiveness reached by the two samples. We demonstrated that ball milling improved the catalytic performance by showing that BV's degradation efficiency was 12% higher than that of not ball mill synthesized BiV sample. The BV powder piezo-photocatalytic experiment was evaluated by monitoring the MB dye degradation, and the findings are displayed in Fig. 9a. The dye's precise adsorption saturation was obtained before starting the piezo-photocatalysis evaluation. For evidence of MB dye degradation by piezo-photocatalysis, we tracked the time-dependent shift in the dye's absorption peak spectra, as shown in Fig. 9a. The decolorization of the pollutant solution is supported by the decreasing peak spectra with time. Water bubbles that contain entrapped gases and water vapor form, grow and collapse as a result of the ultrasonication process. This activity generates a local hot zone where temperature increases up to 4000-5000 K 63,64 . These localized hot zones promote the thermolytic breakdown of water, resulting in the generation of · OH radicals. These produced · OH radicals accelerate the degradation of MB dye 66 . To prevent the dye solution from heating up during the piezo-photocatalysis experiment, the water in the ultrasonicator was changed after every 15 min because it served as the medium for the process. The C C o versus time chart obtained for piezo-photocatalysis evaluation of BV, BiV, and without the use of any sample (control) are shown in Fig. 9b. In a 180-min piezo-photocatalysis experiment, the control dye degrades by ~ 19% without the use of any samples. In 180 min of piezo-photocatalysis assessment, the MB degradation efficiencies of the BV and BiV samples were ~ 63% and ~ 28%, respectively. In comparison to the control sample, the dye degradation efficiency of the BV and BiV samples improved by 44% and 9%, respectively. The variation in particle size between the BV and BiV samples, which has also been shown by SEM micrographs, is the cause of the discrepancy in the photocatalytic effectiveness reached by the two samples. We demonstrated that ball milling improved the catalytic performance by showing that BV's degradation efficiency was 35% higher than that of not ball mill synthesized BiV sample. The degradation efficiency of MB dye by piezo-photocatalysis, piezocatalysis, and photocatalysis on the BV sample is shown in Fig. 9c. During the evaluation of photocatalysis, piezocatalysis, and piezo-photocatalysis, BV powdered sample achieved the MB dye degradation efficiency of 29%, 32%, and 63%, respectively. It is evident that piezo-photocatalysis combination effects resulted in higher degradation efficiencies than individual piezocatalysis and individual photocatalysis studies were able to produce. The usage of a BV powdered sample demonstrated a 34% and 31% improvement in degradation performance during the piezo-photocatalysis as compared to the results of the individual photocatalysis and piezocatalysis experiment respectively. Because of the altered band structure brought on by the internal electric field, piezo-photocatalysis assessment results in greater utilization of the produced charge carriers 67,68 . Additionally, current polarization effectively separates charge carriers, reducing the likelihood of charge recombination 67,69 . Therefore, the piezophotocatalysis dual effect may prove to be a useful strategy for increasing photocatalytic and piezocatalytic efficiency. During the investigation of the piezo-photocatalysis assessment, scavengers like isopropanol (IPA), www.nature.com/scientificreports/ p-benzoquinone (p-BQ), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were added separately to the dye solution to bind the active radical species such as the hydroxyl radical ( · OH), superoxide radical ( · O − 2 ), and holes (h + ) respectively 70 . Figure 9d shows how the piezo-photocatalysis assessment using the BV sample has been significantly impacted by the EDTA scavenger that preferably scavenges holes (h + ). Based on results from a scavenger assay, the principal active species in piezo-photocatalytic dye degradation are holes (h + ). Figure 10a displays the C C o versus time plots acquired during the piezo-photocatalysis evaluation utilizing BV powdered material at various dye concentrations (5, 10, and 15 mg/L). Figure 10b displays the − ln C C o versus time acquired during the piezo-photocatalysis assessment utilizing BV sample at different dye concentrations. The pseudo first-order kinetics described by Eq. 2 governs the piezo-photocatalytic degradation reaction in this instance 71,72 . here "k" stands for the kinetic rate constant determined by the ln C C o versus time 't' linear chart's slope. The eminent k value of 0.00529 min −1 is attained here at a dye concentration of 5 mg/L and experiences a decrease in the value of k with enhancement in dye concentration. The obtained kinetic rate constants for varying dye concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 mg/L were 0.00529, 0.00218, and 0.00113 min −1 , respectively. Figure 10c presents the graph between the kinetic rate constant "k" and the various MB dye concentrations (5, 10, and 15 mg/L). The MB dye calibration curve is displayed in Fig. 10d. This curve was generated by measuring the distinctive peak absorbance intensity of MB dye at varied concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/L). Figure 10d demonstrates a linear relationship between absorbance and concentration. With the use of this curve, the absorbance intensity value of the dye solution used in the catalysis experiment may be determined. Some detailed study can be found in supplementary data S1.
To investigate the sustainability, reusability, and appropriateness of the cleansed wastewater following the piezo-photocatalysis assessment, a simplified germination index (GI) test had been conducted, wherein seed www.nature.com/scientificreports/ germination along with their complete growth had been assessed. Vigna radiata seeds were obtained from Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Bihar. All the experiments were performed following relevant guidelines. Each of the three vials contained 10 Vigna radiata seeds, which received daily 0.5 ml each of untreated, treated, and distilled water sprinkling. The evaluation of the test was completed over seven days in India's IIT Mandi, wherein the average outside temperature noted was 30 °C. Figure 11a-c shows seed growth in three different scenarios: dye water before being subjected to piezo-photocatalysis, dye water after piezo-photocatalysis, and distilled water. It was shown that the majority of hurdles towards the growth of seed were associated with untreated 5 mg/L dye, whereas seed growth under the influence of the treated water is non-toxic 73 . However, edible plants require further protection, and any negative effects must be effectively managed. As an alternative to watering edible plants, we propose using this treated wastewater for playground irrigation 74 . The need for water will thereby be partially reduced. Results for phytotoxicity are displayed in Fig. 11d. Emino et al. have proposed three classes for substances based on GI values: strong phytotoxicity (GI < 50%), moderate phytotoxicity (50% < GI < 80%), and no phytotoxicity (GI > 80%) 72,75 . According to the findings, whereas untreated dye has a high degree of toxicity, treated water has a moderate level of toxicity 72,75 . Here, a piezo-photocatalysis evaluation of the treated water utilized for the germination of the seed had only achieved 63% of dye degradation efficiency. By increasing the catalytic load, lengthening the catalytic time span, and lowering dye concentration, it is also possible to achieve 100% dye purification efficiency, which would further increase the germination index 21,76 . A description of the mechanism incurred by BV while the degradation pathway of MB dye under the photocatalysis, piezocatalysis, and piezo-photocatalysis studies is shown in Fig. 12a-c. The mechanism of photocatalysis is shown in Fig. 12a, wherein the synthesized BV phase forms electron-hole pairs in response to light stimulation. Superoxide radicals ( O ·− 2 ) are produced when electrons react with adsorbed oxygen, whereas hydroxyl radicals (OH · ) are produced when holes oxidize the adsorbed water. Reactive oxidizing species (ROS) include species like ( O ·− 2 ) and (OH · ) , which degrade MB dye into innocuous end products. As a result, photocatalytic activity occurs 4,44 .
The piezocatalysis mechanism is presented in Fig. 12b. The cavitation process creates local hot spots, which exert forces on the BV surface to cause local strain 66 . The strain induced by ultrasonication leads to the formation of polarization charges (an internal electric field) on the surface of BV. Internal electric field influence causes the www.nature.com/scientificreports/ free electron-hole pairs to shift to the opposite polarity, aiding in the dissociation of e − -h + pairs 77,78 . As a result, the BV surface has increased free charge accumulation since the probability of charge carrier recombination is suppressed 69,79 . Although there is still disagreement over the potential charge carriers source during the ultrasonication process, it is thought that sonoluminescence (during ultrasonication, light is produced at a wavelength of 375 nm) and heat rise due to hot spot creation may be the source 80,81 . Ultrasonication with phenomena like polarization may have a synergistic effect. Additionally, polarization-induced band bending aids in the transport of e − and h + to the BV surface. These are not photogenerated e − and h + because the piezocatalysis occurs in the   www.nature.com/scientificreports/ dark. Superoxide radicals ( O ·− 2 ) are produced when electrons interact with adsorbed oxygen, whereas hydroxyl radicals (OH · ) are produced when holes oxidize the adsorbed water. These ROS also contribute to the formation of innocuous end products as MB dye degrades 44,63,64 . Consequently, piezocatalytic activity occurs.
The piezo-photocatalysis mechanism is presented in Fig. 12c. The valence band (VB) electrons are stimulated by visible light to move into the conduction band (CB), while the VB holes are left behind, creating electron-hole pairs in the BV phase 82 . Although there is still disagreement over the charge carriers source during the ultrasonication process, it is thought that sonoluminescence (during ultrasonication, light is produced at a wavelength of 375 nm) and heat rise due to hot spot creation may be the source 80,81 . Ultrasonication with phenomena like polarization may have a synergistic effect. In piezo-photocatalysis, thermally excited holes and electrons predominate over photo-excited ones, which are in minor concentration. As a result, the addition of ultrasonication and visible light improves the concentration of free charges on the surface of the semiconductor catalysts 83 . The stress created during ultrasonication induces polarization charges on the BV surface. Local hot spots are formed as a consequence of the cavitation process, and these hot spots act on the BV surface to produce local strain 63,64 . A positive polarization charge is created at the surface by a ferroelectric domain whose orientation is from the bulk to the surface, whereas a negative charge is produced by a domain whose orientation is from the surface to the bulk. By doing so, an electric field within the BV can be created. Positive and negative polarization charges on the BV will attract photogenerated electrons and holes, accordingly 84 . The energy band is shifted downward at the positive polarization charge side and shifted upward at the negative polarization charge side, as shown in Fig. 12c. As a result of band bending brought on by polarization, photo-excited electrons are further moved to a lower energy level whereas the photogenerated holes in the VB are moved to an elevated energy level 85 . The dominant polarization prevents recombination between electrons and holes by increasing the space between the charge carriers, which sends electrons and holes in opposite directions 78 . As a result, the BV surface will have more electrons and holes available, which will increase the generation of radicals. It is energetically more desirable for both holes and electrons to take part in redox processes. Thus, the catalytic redox reaction is improved, speeding up the efficiency of dye degradation. Electrons reacting with adsorbed oxygen create superoxide radicals ( O ·− 2 ) , while hydroxyl radicals (OH · ) are produced when holes oxidize the adsorbed water. These ROS also contribute to the innocuous end products formed as MB dye degrades 44,63 . The enhanced catalytic degradation can be traced back to the link between polarization potential and photoexcitation effects, which facilitates photogenerated electron-hole pairs separation and effectively suppresses carrier recombination. Consequently, piezo-photocatalytic activity occurs.

Conclusions
The ball-milled Bi 2 VO 5.5 powder was investigated to achieve improved piezo-photocatalytic efficiency after it was produced through mechanochemical ball milling synthesis at 650 °C for 5 h. By successfully segregating charge carriers, the catalyst efficiently utilized the synergetic impact of visible light irradiation along with ultrasonic vibration for enhanced dye degradation. The effectiveness of dye degradation achieved through piezophotocatalysis, piezocatalysis, and photocatalysis was examined, along with the process of degradation. The piezo-photocatalysis assessment obtains a dye degradation efficiency of ~ 63% using a Bi 2 VO 5.5 powdered sample. The dye disintegration follows a pseudo-first-order kinetic and reaches a maximum k value of 0.0053 min −1 . Reduced particle size attained through the ball milling synthesis of the Bi 2 VO 5.5 sample along with synergetic piezo-photocatalysis assessment has contributed to attaining higher dye degradation efficiency.

Data availability
This manuscript includes all relevant data.